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March 24, 2026
口味kǒuwèi(kou3wei4)
口味 (kǒu wèi) refers to a person's taste or preference, particularly in relation to food. It encompasses the flavors one enjoys and can also indicate a broader sense of personal preferences in various contexts. Commonly used when discussing culinary choices, it can also apply to styles and aesthetics.
Frequency#4302DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, food plays a significant role in social gatherings and family life, where discussing one's 口味 often reflects not only personal taste but also cultural background and traditions. The diversity of regional cuisines highlights the importance of individual preferences.
Memory Tip
Imagine a mouth (口) savoring different flavors (味) of food. The mouth represents the '口' in 口味, while '味' symbolizes the various tastes. Picture yourself at a buffet, trying to find the dishes that match your unique preferences.
Meanings of 口味
kǒuwèi(kou3wei4)
1a person's preferences
2tastes (in food)
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About 口味
口味Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#4302Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 口味
Podcast: 口味
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AI Study Notes for 口味
Quick Contrast
味道 (wèidào) refers specifically to the flavor or taste of food, while 口味 (kǒuwèi) denotes a person's overall taste preferences, especially in food and style.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a mouth (口) savoring different flavors (味) of food. The mouth represents the '口' in 口味, while '味' symbolizes the various tastes. Picture yourself at a buffet, trying to find the dishes that match your unique preferences.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of tone when pronouncing 口味; it can change the meaning if mispronounced. This term is often used in both informal settings, like conversations about food, and more formal contexts, such as restaurant reviews. Common collocations include '调整口味' (adjust the taste) or '口味清淡' (light flavor).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 口味 connects well with other vocabulary related to food and preferences, such as 喜欢 (like) and 尝 (taste). Focus on using it in sentences to describe your own food preferences or when asking others about theirs.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, food plays a significant role in social gatherings and family life, where discussing one's 口味 often reflects not only personal taste but also cultural background and traditions. The diversity of regional cuisines highlights the importance of individual preferences.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 口味 with 味道; for example, saying '我喜欢这个味道' (I like this flavor) instead of using 口味 to express personal preference. Ensure you use 口味 when discussing tastes related to individual choices.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 口味
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Grammar Patterns of 口味
口味 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
给你的咖啡，按你的____冲的。
Here's your coffee, just the way you like it.
Example Sentences for 口味 (10)
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1
给你的咖啡，按你的口味冲的。
gěi nǐ de kā fēi， ， àn nǐ de kǒu wèi chōng。
Here's your coffee, just the way you like it.
2
研究表明全国各地的口味大有不同。
yán jiū biǎo míng quán guó gè dì de kǒu wèi dà yǒu bù tóng。
Research shows a wide difference in tastes around the country.
It'll be fun figuring out something different for a change. "
10
湖南风味, 口味香辣.
hú nán fēng wèi, , kǒu wèi xiāng.
It offers food of Hunan flavor, which is hot and spicy.
Cultural Notes for 口味
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, food plays a significant role in social gatherings and family life, where discussing one's 口味 often reflects not only personal taste but also cultural background and traditions. The diversity of regional cuisines highlights the importance of individual preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions about 口味
You can say, '我喜欢这种口味' (I like this flavor) when expressing your food preferences.
While it primarily refers to food preferences, it can also describe tastes in aesthetics or styles.
口味 refers to personal taste or preference, while 味道 refers specifically to the flavor or smell of something.
